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As the first days of cooler weather approach, and we start to pull out the winter gear, I thought I'd share all I have learned about keeping warm.
 
Before anyone starts to consider how to stay warm during an outdoor aerobic activity, the first thing you have to do is find out what type of person you are.  There are all types...cold natured, hot natured, sweaters, those with cold hands, cold feet, hot legs, etc....you've got to know what cold weather and easy to intense exercise does to each of the parts of YOUR body.
 
I hate riding the trainer...in fact, last year I only got on it one time....my goal this year is ZERO.  I want to get outside and ride, but I don't want to be miserably cold.  Before I start with what I've learned, you first need to know what type of person I am:  Well, we can start off with a good turkey analogy:  you have two cooked turkeys...one 10lbs, and one 20lbs....you take them both out of the oven, and let them start cooling....which one do you think is going to cool off faster...the 10lb turkey...off course...just less mass to hold in the heat...I'm the 10lb turkey...I get cold really easy.  But, I also get the "humming bird effect" going on, when I start doing intense exercise....I got hot fast, and I will sweat.  So, for me, the challenge is to stay warm, but not so warm I can't keep from getting soaking wet when the pace picks up.
 
And, there lies my guiding principle of dressing for cold weather and exercise:  YOU WILL NOT BE WARM IF YOU ARE WET.
 
I'll start off with fabrics:  over the years, I have found merino wool to be the most effective fabric at keeping you warm and dry.  I have wool socks, wool undershirts, and wool hat...the parts that touch the body in places you are likely to sweat....Polypro is also good, but nothing beats merino wool.  IBEX and ICEBREAKER make great merino wool products.
 
Head:  your body is a chimney...you loose heat through your head...you will not be warm if you don't put something on your head.  I have a great wool cap by IBEX I use for cold days.  I have a thin cap for cooler days.
 
Core:  Dress in layers...thin layers.  And, I really like a thin wool undershirt that zips up over my neck.  The key is thin and zip....for me, I need to be able to regulate my core temp by using the zipper...easy pace, zip up over the neck, and keep the warmth in/cold out....harder, zip down some, and get the sweat producing heat out...I can not stand winter undershirts that come up high on my neck, but don't zip down....I can't get the heat out if the pace picks up, and then I sweat.  Arm warmers under a LS jersey gives good options for two layers on the arms, or one.  Wind vests are also key.  I have one undershirt from IBEX and one from ICEBREAKER.
 
Gloves:  I have liners, thin gloves, medium weight gloves, and heavy gloves.  Typically, on most cold days, I can use the liners under the medium weight gloves, and this gives me lot's of options...from not so cold, to really cold...and they will stow easily.  Neoprene is great for wetsuits, but I can't stand it for anything cycling related...gloves and booties are usually where you might see neoprene used....I just getting soaking wet.  The best heavy gloves I have are Goretex....I have other heavy gloves, but they just can't get the moisture out.  My best heavy gloves where bought at a ski shop that was going out of business...$7 for nice goretex ski gloves.
 
Legs:  My legs stay warm, so I need nothing more than medium weight leg warmers, even on the coldest days.  I have also tried various tiger balm type products....just wash those hands before you stop to pee.  The Performance black leg warmers are made well, and are a good weight, and a good value.
 
Feet:  My feet get really, really cold.  I have wool socks, I use with some wind resistant booties.  I buy the charcoal chemical warmers and stick on top of my toes...lasts about 2-3hrs.  Again, neoprene booties do not work for me.  Defeet Woolie Booties are my favorite wool socks.
 
I also have developed a set of rules, if you will....certain items are worn at certain temperatures.  I also am very mindful of what type of workout it's going to be....easier, medium or hard....you've got to also know what the temperature is going to be 2hrs into your ride....And, don't be fooled by walking outside, with the morning sun blazing at your door, and protected from the wind, and think.."it's not that cold"....45 degrees is 45 degrees...and, check the wind...the speed and direction...a 10-20mph wind out of the north, is something to consider...I think putting something on your knees as soon as it gets a little cold is a good idea...just too much going on with that joint & cycling, for it to be cold.
 
Stay WARM out there!
 
Clarke